Cape Town is spread out, hilly and strung between mountain and sea, and a hop-on hop-off bus is the easiest way to see the major sights without hiring a car. The Cape Town Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour with Optional Cruise runs three bus routes in the city, with commentary on the way and the freedom to get off at any stop, explore and board the next bus. The stops named on include Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the Constantia Valley and the V&A Waterfront, and the pass is offered as a one-day or two-day ticket. Free walking tours are included, and you can upgrade to add a harbour cruise and a sunset bus tour. A full circuit of the main route takes about two hours and twenty minutes, and the product is one of the most reviewed in the city, with an average of 4.7 from nearly 2,000 guest ratings. It is not the most intimate way to see the city, but for first-time visitors it gives an overview, a sense of the geography and easy access to places that are awkward to reach otherwise, such as the lower cable station and Kirstenbosch.
How it works. The tickets are for one or two days, and the buses run on set routes between stops, with commentary on the way. Use the first loop to get your bearings, then choose three or four places to get off properly. Good stops are the lower cableway station for Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch for the gardens and the Waterfront for lunch, harbour views and the Robben Island ferry.
Check the timetable and the last bus of the day when you start, since bus frequency drops in the quieter months. The booking page offers free cancellation, but check the terms for your ticket type.
Making the most of it. Ride on the upper deck in good weather, bring a hat and sunscreen for the open top, and take a jacket for the wind, which can be cold even in summer. Start early to make the most of the clear morning light, which is also best for Table Mountain, and plan any stop at the cableway for the first clear, calm day of your trip, since the cableway closes in strong wind.
The optional cruise and sunset ride add to the experience if you have a two-day pass. Buses stop for the weather and traffic, so expect delays in the busiest months.
Who it suits. The hop-on bus works well for first-time visitors with limited time, families with children who like riding on top of a bus, travellers who prefer not to drive and older visitors who want to see a lot without much walking. It is less suitable for people who like to dig deeper into a single neighbourhood or who want to cover the Cape Peninsula, where a day tour or a private driver is a better option.
Combine it with the Essentials food tour, the Bo-Kaap and the V&A Waterfront for a full first day in the city, then spend your second day on the peninsula or the winelands. Because the pass is flexible, there is no penalty for skipping a stop when the weather turns, and if cloud closes the mountain you can simply stay on the bus and enjoy the coast and the suburbs instead.
What to expect
The experience
A one- or two-day hop-on hop-off pass on open-top buses across three routes, with commentary, free walking tours included and an optional harbour cruise and sunset ride.
Best time
Start early on a clear day to see Table Mountain at its best; the first clear morning is also best for the cableway.
How long
About two hours and twenty minutes for a full circuit, with the pass valid for one or two days.
Tips
Ride on the upper deck with a hat and a windproof layer. Check the last bus times. Choose three or four stops rather than trying to see everything.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want an overview and easy access to the main sights without a car.
- Families
- Children enjoy the open top, and the pass lets you set a gentle pace.
- Couples
- A relaxed way to see the city, particularly with the optional cruise.
- Pair with
- The Table Mountain cableway, Kirstenbosch and the V&A Waterfront.
- Time needed
- One or two days, depending on your pass.
Good questions
How many routes does the bus run?+
The booking page gives three bus routes, with stops including Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch, the Constantia Valley and the V&A Waterfront.
How long does the circuit take?+
About two hours and twenty minutes for a full loop, though you can hop off and on as you please.
Is a harbour cruise included?+
It is an optional upgrade. Free walking tours are included in the ticket.
Can I buy a one-day or two-day pass?+
Yes, the booking page offers both, with free cancellation on the product.
Does the bus go to the Cape Peninsula?+
The routes cover the city, Kirstenbosch and Constantia. For Cape Point and the penguins, use a peninsula day tour.
